Raytheon Considers Additional IR Shot Detection

Following its takeover of BBN Technologies in 2009, Raytheon is planning to expand its footprint in small-arms shot detection to include infra-red (IR) technology.


Speaking to Shephard at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX) in Amman, Jordan, Raytheon's Erin Byrne said the company was interested in developing an IR solution although any concepts would be dependent upon customer requirements.

To date, Raytheon and BBN Technologies has supplied US and coalition armed forces with varieties of its Boomerang system. These include the perimeter defence solution, vehicle-mounted variant and soldier-worn 'Warrior-X' configurations.


The Boomerang solution, however, relies on gunshot detection to identify the direction and range of an enemy shooter. Capable of detecting 95% of supersonic projectiles, the system is not able to identify and track subsonic ammunition for example.


An IR-based solution is understood to provide faster identification, location and processing of data by electro-optical means. The technology allows a system to zero in on a shooter's position by locating the thermal signature of a round in flight as well as reflection off optical gunsights.

Players in this arena include IAI and Elta's Short-Wave IR system and Rafael with its Spotlite M technology as well as Cilas's laser sniper detector or SLD 500. Units including the US Marine Corps predominantly use acoustic detection although IR technology is used in small numbers.


Elsewhere, Byrne admitted that Raytheon was also interested in developing an acoustic shot detection system for use on board helicopters. Such a device is harder to develop due to the louder nature of helicopter operations.


Traditionally, helicopters have carried detection systems to counter missile and rocket threats, industry sources have criticised a lack of small arms detection capabilities.